The Importance of Social Media

December 30, 2014

Think social media is a fad? Having a hard time jumping on the bandwagon and joining the seemingly endless onslaught of social media platforms? Let’s take a closer look at how social media can actually bring credibility to your business and serve as an important and valuable tool.

One of the main elements of a successful business is recognition and a positive reputation. This takes time and energy to focus on and develop. Brand recognition starts with distributing the name and standards of your business. We are all familiar with big name companies like Apple, Coca-Cola, and Macy’s because they spent years creating an image alongside their company name. You know exactly who they are and what they do because of brand recognition. So how do you establish this for yourself? The tool most companies and businesses turn to is social media. By creating a profile and pumping out relevant and informed content, you are establishing yourself as a valuable resource in your industry. Social media is everywhere. Finding a way to join the conversation and offer knowledgeable information elevates you and your brand to the next level.

Social media allows people to connect in a new way. Emails, telephone calls, and direct mail are almost old-school ways of engaging with your audience. Social media profiles have expanded the way we interact with each other by offering a unique and personable yet all-inclusive medium to share. Social media is a constant and up-to-date way of engaging giving brands the access to the immediate impact they need to achieve. When something happens, rather than wait for an email to be sent or a phone call to be made, a direct post to a social media profile allows the information to be distributed quickly, efficiently, and professionally. Brands are able to prove their ability to remain on top of breaking news and thereby showcase their relevance as a trusted brand.

It’s been discussed many times before but the ability to continuously engage with your audience via social media is crucial today. Technology has made people impatient and used to immediate responses. Social media platforms give you access to directly respond to comments and customers who reach out to you on your profile. Providing constant customer service establishes your brand as an important resource. We all turn to a source who is ready and willing to provide us with answers to our questions. Make it your goal to be that source people turn to and come back for more.

Don’t be scared off by social media. Start off with a professional profile on LinkedIn and slowly grow and expand into using Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. You’ll be amazed at how many people turn to these platforms to research and gain insight on what other people they are connected with trust and rely on.